I Tried LYS Beauty’s New Highlighter Stick—Here Are My Thoughts

LYS Beauty made a splashy debut in 2021, becoming the first Black-owned Sephora Clean makeup brand. Since then, the cosmetics company has continued to make major waves in the industry, especially with its viral stick launches. In 2022, LYS Beauty debuted its TikTok-favorite No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick and followed up with the equally buzzy Higher Standards Glow Blush Stick earlier this year. Now, the brand is ready to deepen its footprint in the stick category once more with the launch of the Aim High Highlighter Stick. Ahead, everything you need to know about the skin-enhancing cream highlighter.

The Inspiration 

Founder Tisha Thompson says this launch has been in the making for quite a while, noting that the success of the bronzer and blush paved the way for the highlighter. “Since the launch, we’ve found a sweet spot with our stick formulas with the launch of the No Limits Cream Bronzer Sticks and Higher Standard Cream Glow Blush Sticks—both of which have gone viral on TikTok with near-immediate product adoption from our customers,” she says. “The feedback is incredible because these formulas have the pigment, creaminess, and consistency needed for these products to perform.”

In recent months, the number of stick cosmetics hitting the market has seen a noticeable increase. Thompson believes this is due to beauty consumers’ continued demand for simplicity. “I’m finding that our customers prioritize ease, multipurpose benefits, ‘clean’ ingredients, and performance,” she shares. “Previously, there’s been a misconception that stick formulas are not as efficacious, but [our products] put an end to that disbelief. They’re great for travel, intuitive, and feature LYS Beauty’s signature triangle tip to easily maneuver around the face.”

The Formula 

The highlighter is available in three shades—Brave (champagne), Genuine (rose gold), and Fearless (warm bronze). Thompson describes the formula as “equal parts highlighter and complexion enhancer.” It’s formulated with soothing green tea extract, moisturizing watermelon seed extract, and dark-spot-reducing rosehip oil. “We took our time concocting the perfect blend of subtle shimmer and dewiness that enhances any skin type, but especially normal to dry skin types,” she notes.

How to Use It

Thompson points out that the versatile highlighter can be used alone, underneath your makeup, or on top of your makeup. “With a creamy, easy-to-blend formula, our sticks can be applied directly to the face or using a brush for lighter color payoff,” she explains. “If you want to create that all-over glow, apply the stick directly to the high points of the face, including the cheekbones, center of the nose, and Cupid’s bow. For a natural finish, gently tap with your fingertips or a beauty sponge to diffuse the formula.” 

Of course, the highlighter also pairs well with other LYS Beauty products. “To achieve the sunset blush look that’s currently trending, place the highlighter on the high point of your cheek, then apply the blush stick immediately below it before tapping to blend with a beauty sponge. The result is this gorgeous cascade of sunset-inspired colors.”

My Review

I love my skin to have a dewy, lit-from-within glow, so I prefer cream formulas. That’s why I was eager to try LYS Beauty’s creamy highlighter stick, which promises a luminous, natural finish. I applied the shade Fearless under my makeup and on top (my cheekbones and nose) to observe the product at maximum impact. While the bronzy shade is richly pigmented, the shimmer isn’t overwhelming and easily sheers out on your skin. I love how the product instantly gave me a warm, sun-kissed look, enhancing my makeup overall. In the light, you really notice how gorgeous the shade and sheen are. This product is right on time for summer, but I definitely see myself using this year-round to achieve a glowy, glazed look.